[klabb3]

Many projects aren't pure library deps. If you need to fork a CLI tool for instance it tends to be a lot more involved. Even pure library deps can be a pain depending on the version manager you're using. Also, I often need to use a temporary fork even if I'll get it merged later, because the fix blocks something I'm currently working on.

Forking, when there is good tooling, is really nice. I wish tooling and practices were more mature. It's often a lot more hassle than ideal.

[mannykannot]

The tooling being used is also mostly open-source, and you have the same options - and difficulties - there.

The more people complain "but it's hard", the more they demonstrate how indebted they already are to those who have made open-source what it is today.